About our advisory councils
The Aging Services Advisory Council (ASAC) and the Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) advise Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services Division (ADVSD) on the programs, policies, and services that impact older adults and people with physical disabilities. Members bring community perspectives, ask questions, offer recommendations and work together to make a difference.
You do not need to be a policy expert or a professional advocate, but caring for your community and a willingness to listen, learn, and speak up are important qualities for council members. Meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person or online.
Why the councils exist
Both councils are required by the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) and are part of Oregon’s statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Watch this video about Area Agencies on Aging for context about the role of AAAs in our community.
ADVSD is the Area Agency on Aging serving Multnomah County, using OAA funds to promote independence, safety, and equity for our age 60 and above community members.
We partner with community programs to provide services such as nutrition support, case management, caregiver support, and legal assistance for older adults. These programs are available regardless of income. The goal of offering these services is to provide options for support that can help older adults continue to safely live independently.
The Area Plan on Aging
ADVSD, with the help of its advisory councils, creates a formal plan every four years outlining how we support older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans with programs funded by the Older Americans Act. Reviewing and making suggestions regarding the Area Plan on Aging is one main responsibility of the advisory councils.
Learn more about the Area Plan on Aging
The two councils
While ASAC and DSAC are distinct bodies, they share a unified mission of advocacy. We frequently coordinate through joint meetings and shared initiatives to ensure our work remains cohesive.
Aging Services Advisory Council (ASAC)
ASAC focuses on services and programs for the aging community in Multnomah County. Members include older adults, people who work in the aging field, and community advocates. Half of the members of the council must be above the age of 60. Members must live, work, or volunteer in Multnomah County. ASAC members serve a three year term of active engagement.
Learn about ASAC or join a meeting
Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC)
DSAC focuses on services for people with physical disabilities in Multnomah County and advocates for their general welfare. Members include people with disabilities, professionals in the field, and community advocates. Members must live, work, or volunteer in Multnomah County. DSAC members serve a two year term of active engagement.
Learn about DSAC or join a meeting
Multnomah County Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services Division (IDDSD) also convenes a council to guide the services they administer. Learn about the I/DD Advisory Council
Council membership
Requirements
Advising the county is aided by dedication and integrity. As public officials, council members play a key role in shaping our community. We are guided by a commitment to fairness, equity, integrity, and transparency for everyone we serve. To ensure our councils remain effective, we are looking for members who are committed to our mission and ready to fully engage with the duties of this role.
Members are expected to:
- Consistently attend monthly meetings
- Review county ethics and anti-discrimination policies, disclose conflicts of interests, and preserve confidentiality
- Participate in the creation, activity, monitoring and review of the Area Plan on Aging, public policy, and other relevant documentation, planning, and discussion
- Come prepared and ready to share ideas, concerns, and insights about community needs
- Serve on a committee targeting specific concerns
- Serve a full two-year term*
- Participate in annual retreat for planning and team development**
Committees
Much of the work we do happens through committees. Members can focus on specific issues, share responsibilities, and affect change.
Become an advisory council member
Who should apply
Our councils are stronger with a range of voices from across Multnomah County. We encourage those from rural communities, communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and speakers of other languages to apply. Consider sitting in on a meeting to get an idea of whether you are interested!
How to apply
Fill out the interest form and a member of our staff will contact you within three business days.
Apply to become an ASAC or DSAC member
What happens after you apply
- Staff review your application and reach out with any questions
- You may be invited to interview with the senior manager who oversees the council
- If recommended you’ll attend a council meeting to see whether it's a good fit
- If both you and the manager want to move forward, our office begins the process to have you appointed by the Multnomah County Board. This can take up to three months
Support we offer
As a member you will have access to financial support for eligible, meeting and membership related expenses.
- A stipend to reflect the monthly commitment of attending meetings and engaging with materials
- Transportation reimbursement or cab rides to meetings
- A one-time technology reimbursement
- Light refreshments at meetings
- Training and orientation on ADVSD programs
Other ways to get involved
If you aren’t ready to join a council, there are other ways to stay involved and advocate for older adults and people with disabilities within our community.
More information
*We realize that life circumstances may change. If you are unable to fulfill your term we ask that you connect with staff to discuss transitioning out of your role.
**Retreats are not always needed but they are a possibility. These can also be trainings offered by our parters.